Isaiah Rashad Rocks House of Blues with Back-to-Back 'Cilvia Demo' Anniversary Shows

By: Jimmie Sykes

CHICAGO I LOVE YALL SO MUCH

— sun (@isaiahrashad) June 6, 2024

Straight out of Chattanooga, TN, Isaiah Rashad is a gem in TDEs crown and a favorable diamond in the rough in the rap game. He embarked on a journey to Chicago over a decade ago with a vision: to join forces with Kembe X and Alex Wiley, two rising talents in the self-started Chicago underground scene spearheaded by the youth.

Wiley and Kembe contributed to the dawn of an era that continues to resonate today across the city. Isaiah’s partnership with the duo was more than a meeting of minds; it was a strategic move to catapult his artistry into new realms.

'Middle of the summer’s in Miami. Kembe with me, Henny, sippin shots like I bought it for him.'
- Cilvia Demo (2014)

Isaiah attributes a significant slice of his artistic ascent to these two artists and the iconic Classick Studios. Fast forward a decade, and Isaiah Rashad returned to ignite a crowd in the city that played a pivotal role in his journey, serenading Chicago with the beloved Cilvia Demo. For two consecutive nights, he transformed the House of Blues into a sanctuary of sound, with fans filling every line, from the floor to the balcony, chanting his debut project in unison.

Ask any Cilvia Demo aficionado about the impact of EP, and you'll hear a common refrain: 'Cilvia Demo saved me.'

He even gave the mic to a fan in the crowd who had traveled from Michigan and said Cilvia Demo changed her life. Flattered by the response, Isaiah Rashad jumped off the stage and hugged her. To the fans, it's more than music; it's a chapter from Isaiah Rashad's soul, a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his life before the world knew his name or the depth of his talent. Throughout, he keeps the balance between where he came from and where he is heading.

"I can see more than your spot, I don't be stuck in the past, homie, I'm puffin  the grass. Holding my cup like a strap, look at my southern ass. "
- "Modest (2014)"

On the track RIP Kevin Miller, he paid his dues to the late brother of No Limit Founder Master P, whose hook from 'Weed and Money' was revitalized in the single. 
​
"You spending doja on some pussy, you ain't concentratin', just wake up! Y'all live for b*tches and blunts, we live for weed and money. "
- "RIP Kevin Miller (2014)"​

After a vibrant live performance of the EP, fans had yet another treat in store. He kept the energy pumping by performing singles from his critically acclaimed albums The Sun's Tirade and The House Is Burning.

Singles such as 4r Da Squaw, Wats Wrong (ft. Zacari & Kendrick Lamar), and RIP Young immediately resonated as fan favorites. After sending the crowd on their way, the night ended with Kendrick Lamar's ​Not Like Us, the infamous single where he responds to Drake during their more recent hip-hop bout. 

A great inspiration to take away from Cilvia Demo is you never know where your story will take you or who it will inspire along the way. Timeless music is timeless music. Those who appreciate your efforts will always appear with gratitude and support. If you haven't spread the NOiZE about Cilvia Demo thus far, it is never too late.

Isaiah Rashad is one of the most passionate artists of today's time. His start in the game is still settling in even after a decade. Check out the full EP below, and connect with Isaiah Rashad for the latest stemming from the tour.